Punching device

ABSTRACT

A punching device including a rectangular inflatable sleeve, an elongated pump for inflating the sleeve, an adaptation of the sleeve for allowing the sleeve to be rolled around the elongated pump, a connector for connecting opposite sides of the rectangular sleeve, and a carrying strap attached to the elongated pump, for carrying the device, thereby generating a portable and compact punching device that can be used indoors and outdoors.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to the field of punching bags.

BACKGROUND

“A punching bag (or, British English, punchbag) is a sturdy bag designed to be repeatedly punched. A punching bag is usually cylindrical, and filled with various materials of corresponding hardness.” (From Wikipedia).

“Heavy” punching bags have a stationary nature, and as such, they are not moved after being installed.

US 2015/0057132 A1 to Pedone is considered by the Applicant as the closest prior art. It discloses an exercise device utilizing a punching bag and at least one telescopic pole. The punching bag may include an outer covering and an internal compartment filled with a filler material. The telescopic pole may include a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end are configured to abut against a door frame, securing the telescopic pole in between a doorway. The punching bag is attachable to the telescopic pole.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,398,697 to Ernest Nichols, Jr. discloses a glance blow detecting bag which rotates on a pivotal axis around a circular shaped adjustable bag mounting pole which is supported on a portable free standing stand for exercising and training a punch boxer, kick boxer, or football blocker, to strike the center of a moving target, and the center of a specific body part. The glance blow detecting bag assists in training accurate placement of blows by spinning rapidly upon detecting a glance blow when the center of the bag is missed on impact, and not spinning when the center of the bag is hit, indicating a good strike.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,358 to Hestilow discloses a training bag device which includes a fluid-fillable stand having a pedestal and column supporting a striking pad assembly. The column has a fill opening for filling and emptying the stand. A cap provided to seal the fill opening includes a needle valve for pressurizing the stand. The column of the stand has a pair of channels and lock slots for setting the striking pad assembly to various heights. The striking pad assembly includes a sleeve, a pad disposed around the sleeve and a cover surrounding the exterior of the sleeve and pad. A pair of buttons protrude from the inside wall of the sleeve at locations corresponding to the position of the channels of the column. The sleeve buttons, channels and lock slots cooperate to secure the striking pad assembly at the desired height setting on the column.

All the methods described above have not yet provided satisfactory solutions to the problem of providing a cylindrical, portable and compact punching bag that can be used outdoor with almost any pole.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the invention is directed to a punching device, comprising:

a rectangular inflatable sleeve (11);

an elongated pump (20), for inflating the sleeve (11);

an adaptation of the sleeve (11), for allowing the sleeve to be rolled around the elongated pump (20);

a connector, for connecting opposite sides of the rectangular sleeve; and

a carrying strap (30) attached to the elongated pump, for carrying the device,

thereby generating a portable and compact punching device that can be used indoors and outdoors.

The adaptation may be, for example: a stretchable outer wall (21) and a non-stretchable inner wall (25).

According to one embodiment of the invention, wherein the connector is in a form of plurality of hooks (30) connected to opposite edges of the sleeve (11), and a string (29) threaded through the hooks (30), thereby pulling the string results with fastening the connector.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the sleeve (11) comprises:

a plurality of inflatable cells (26) arranged in a matrix form,

wherein each of two adjacent of the cells (26) having an air passage (27) therebetween, and

thereby upon hitting one of the cells, air of the cell is evenly distributed in the surrounding cells thereof.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the sleeve (11) comprises a plurality of loops (12) at the upper and lower edges thereof, for allowing threading therein a fastener.

According to one embodiment of the invention, wherein an outer layer of the sleeve (11) comprises a leather or leather-like material.

The device may further comprise at least one spongy layer, for softening a hit thereon.

According to one embodiment of the invention, an inner layer (25) of the sleeve (11) comprises a rough fabric (such as jute), for increasing a grip of the sleeve to the pole (17).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the sleeve (11) comprises rubber.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the sleeve (11) comprises attaching means to a pillar, for allowing a single user to tie the device around the pillar even if the circumference of the pillar is greater than the user can surround. Such attaching means may be a Velcro fastener for attaching the sleeve to a tree, magnets for attaching the sleeve to an electric poll, a wire, and actually any fastener.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the inflatable sleeve comprises a snap-release valve, for instantly releasing air from said inflatable sleeve.

In summary, the invention provides a portable punching device which resembles a punching bag, easy and compact to be carried outdoors along with its inflating pump, easy to install, and usable with any pole, tree, two poles, and the like.

The reference numbers have been used to point out elements in the embodiments described and illustrated herein, in order to facilitate the understanding of the invention. They are meant to be merely illustrative, and not limiting. Also, the foregoing embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated in conjunction with systems and methods thereof, which are meant to be merely illustrative, and not limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments, features, and aspects of the invention are described herein in conjunction with the following drawings:

FIG. 1 pictorially illustrates a punching device, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 pictorially illustrates the punching device of FIG. 1 while being inflated by an air pump 20, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 pictorially illustrates the punching device of FIG. 1 while being installed on a pole 17, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a sleeve 11, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an inflatable layer 23 of a sleeve of a punching device, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 pictorially illustrates a punching device, according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 pictorially illustrates an implementation of the punching device of FIG. 6, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 pictorially illustrates a portable punching device kit, according to a further embodiment of the invention.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention will be understood from the following detailed description of various embodiments which are meant to be descriptive and not limiting. For the sake of brevity, some well-known features, methods, systems, procedures, components, circuits, and so on, are not described in detail.

FIG. 1 pictorially illustrates a punching device, according to one embodiment of the invention.

The punching device, which is marked herein by reference numeral 10, comprises a sleeve 11, to be bounded around a pole 17.

The punching device 10 is connected to the pole 17 by upper fastener 14 and a lower fastener 16. Each of the fasteners 14 and 16 is threaded through loops 12 of the sleeve 11. Each of the fasteners 14 and 16 comprises a closure 15, for fixing the fastener thereof in a fastened state.

The inflatable sleeve is inflated though a valve 13.

FIG. 2 pictorially illustrates the punching device of FIG. 1 while being inflated by an air pump 20, according to one embodiment of the invention.

A pump 20 is used for inflating the punching device 10.

Preferably, the pump has two modes of operation: inflating mode, and deflating mode. In the deflating mode the pump pumps the air out of the sleeve.

As such, for example, the same one-way valve (not illustrated) may be used for both inflating and deflating. The valve may be designed such that turning it changes the operation mode of the pump from inflating to deflating, and vice versa.

FIG. 3 pictorially illustrates the punching device of FIG. 1 while being installed on a pole 17, according to one embodiment of the invention.

From this point of view the inner side of the punching device 10 is also seen.

The zoomed view is on a closure 15. As illustrated, the fastening mechanism can be such as an aircraft passenger fastener.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a sleeve 11, according to one embodiment of the invention.

The illustrated sleeve comprises the following layers:

-   -   an external layer 21 to which loops 12 are connected;     -   a first sponge layer 22;     -   an inflatable layer 23;     -   a second sponge layer 24; and     -   an inner layer 25, which preferably is made of rough fabric such         as jute, for better gripping a pole.

Since some of the layers may not be flexible/stretchable, in order to achieve sufficient softness, sleeve 11 may be folded into several rolls. In such cases, the fasteners should be adapted for this situation.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an inflatable layer 23 of a sleeve of a punching device, according to one embodiment of the invention.

The inflatable layer comprises a matrix of cells 26, having an air passage between each of two adjacent cells.

Upon inflating the inflatable layer through valve 13, the air enters into each of the cells via the air passages 27, and inflates it.

When punching the punching device, some of the cells 26 are squeezed. As a result, the air inside these cells moves to the adjacent cells. The speed of the moving air depends, inter alia, on the narrowness of the air passages 27. The narrower the air passage, the slower the air movement. The reduced movement of the air gives a user of the punching device the sensation of punching a punching bag, despite the fact that the punching sleeve is significantly thinner than an inflatable air bag.

The punching device may comprise a central shaft 28, to which each of the cells is connected. In this way the inflating and deflating can be carried out faster.

FIG. 6 pictorially illustrates a punching device, according to another embodiment of the invention.

According to this embodiment of the invention, the punching device comprises an inflatable sleeve 11, in which its ends are connected loops 30. A string (laces) 29 is threaded through the hooks 29, and connected such that the string 29 is fastened.

While the outer layer 25 of the sleeve 11 is stretchable, the inner layer 25 is unstretchable. This feature allows the sleeve 11 to be rolled around any object.

FIG. 7 pictorially illustrates an implementation of the punching device of FIG. 6, according to one embodiment of the invention.

According to this embodiment of the invention, the arrangement of FIG. 6 can be used for installing the punching device on a pair of poles 17. All it takes is a string 29 with a suitable length.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the string is elastic. The elasticity provides the punching device a different kind of training in comparison to a non-elastic device. There are some known punching bags that react in an elastic way, but they are not portable, and therefore limited in use in a gym. This embodiment thus provides a portable punching device that can be used also outdoors.

FIG. 8 pictorially illustrates a portable punching device, according to one further embodiment of the invention.

The portable punching device is marked herein by reference numeral 10′. The portable punching device comprises an inflatable sleeve 11, and an elongated inflating pump 20.

The sleeve 11 is adapted to be rolled around the elongated inflating pump 20. Such adaption may be, for example, rendering the outer wall 21 of the sleeve 11 stretchable, while its inner wall 25 is rendered unstretchable.

A carrying strap 31 is connects to the inflating pump 20.

Thus, the punching device 10′ is portable, can be carried out comfortably by a user, and be used indoors as well as outdoors.

The invention provides a punching device which resembles a punching bag, easy and compact to be carried out outdoors, easy to install, and usable with any pole, tree, and the like, and even with a pair of poles.

In the figures and/or description herein, the following reference numerals (Reference Signs List) have been mentioned:

-   -   numeral 10 denotes a punching device, according to one         embodiment of the invention;     -   numeral 11 denotes a sleeve, to be bounded around a pole 17;     -   numeral 12 denotes a loop for threading therein a fastener, such         as a belt;     -   numeral 13 denotes a valve;     -   numeral 14 denotes an upper fastener;     -   numeral 15 denotes a closure;     -   numeral 16 denotes a lower fastener;     -   numeral 17 denotes a pole;     -   numeral 18 denotes the ground;     -   numeral 19 denotes the edge of the inflatable sleeve;     -   numeral 20 denotes an air pump;     -   numeral 21 denotes the external layer of the sleeve, which is         preferably made of leather or leather-like material;     -   numeral 22 denotes a sponge layer of the sleeve;     -   numeral 23 denotes an inflatable layer of the sleeve;     -   numeral 24 denotes a sponge layer of the sleeve;     -   numeral 25 denotes an inner layer of the sleeve, which is         preferably made of a rough fabric such as jute, for improving         the grip to a rough pole;     -   numeral 26 denotes a cell in an inflatable layer 23 of a sleeve         of punching device 10;     -   numeral 27 denotes an air shaft between two adjacent cells 23;     -   numeral 28 denotes a central air shaft, to which all the cells         are connected;     -   numeral 29 denotes a string (laces);     -   numeral 30 denotes a hook; and     -   numeral 31 denotes a carrying strap.

In the description herein, the following publications have been mentioned: US 2015/0057132, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,398,697 and 5,624,358.

The foregoing description and illustrations of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the above description in any form.

Any term that has been defined above and used in the claims, should be interpreted according to this definition.

The reference numbers in the claims are not a part of the claims, but rather used for facilitating the reading thereof. These reference numbers should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any form. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A punching device, comprising: a rectangular inflatable sleeve (11); an elongated pump (20), for inflating said sleeve (11); an adaptation of said sleeve (11), for allowing said sleeve to be rolled around said elongated pump (20); a connector, for connecting opposite sides of said rectangular sleeve; and a carrying strap (30) attached to said elongated pump, for carrying said device, thereby generating a portable and compact punching device that can be used indoors and outdoors.
 2. The punching device according to claim 1, wherein said adaptation comprises: a stretchable outer wall (21) and a non-stretchable inner wall (25).
 3. The punching device according to claim 1, wherein said connector is in a form of plurality of hooks (30) connected to opposite edges of said sleeve (11), and a string (29) threaded through said hooks (30), thereby pulling said string results with fastening said connector.
 4. The punching device according to claim 1, wherein said sleeve (11) comprises: a plurality of inflatable cells (26) arranged in a matrix form, wherein each of two adjacent of said cells (26) having an air passage (27) therebetween, and thereby upon hitting one of said cells, air of said cell is evenly distributed in the surrounding cells thereof.
 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein said sleeve (11) comprises a plurality of loops (12) at the upper and lower edges thereof, for allowing threading therein a fastener.
 6. The device according to claim 1, wherein an outer layer of said sleeve (11) comprises a leather or leather-like material.
 7. The device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one spongy layer, for softening a hit thereon.
 8. The device according to claim 1, wherein an inner layer (25) of said sleeve (11) comprises a rough fabric, for increasing a grip of said sleeve to said pole (17).
 9. The device according to claim 8, wherein said fabric is jute.
 10. The device according to claim 1, wherein said sleeve (11) comprises rubber.
 11. The device according to claim 1, wherein said sleeve (11) comprises attaching means to a pillar, for allowing a single user to tie said device around said pillar even if a circumference of said pillar is greater than said user can surround.
 12. The device according to claim 11, wherein said attaching means is a Velcro fastener.
 13. The device according to claim 11, wherein said attaching means is a magnet.
 14. The device according to claim 1, wherein said inflatable sleeve comprises a snap-release valve, for instantly releasing air from said inflatable sleeve. 